Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tasia Smithgee, Owner of Tazzlyfe, located in Albuquerque, NM, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Tazzlyfe is a satin lined beanies and hair accessories company that tailors to those with curly and natural hair. Our customers are people who want to protect their hair and look cute doing it.
Tell us about yourself
I started Tazzlyfe after going through my own natural hair journey five years ago. Questions came up that I didn't know how to answer, "How can I keep my head warm while wearing my curls?" and "How can I prevent breakage with the hats that I have?" When I couldn't find the solutions in stores, I decided to make my own. I taught myself how to crochet and started making my own beanie designs and then lining each one with satin. Tazzlyfe was born! It has become the outlet for my creativity, and providing a product people need motivates me to keep going every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This past year was the first time I started selling at in-person markets, which was a huge step out of my comfort zone. I applied for the biggest holiday market of the year. The application process was very strict, and only a select few were chosen. After a month of waiting, I got accepted, and on the first day of the market, I was nearly sold out! There were over 20,000 people in attendance that weekend, and it was my best day in sales ever since creating Tazzlyfe. Starting new friendships and witnessing the strength of our community coming together was an added bonus.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Balance. Being a mom of an almost 2-year-old and running a business is HARD. There's always more to do and things that need to get done while running a business. It can be tough to find the time to work between diaper changes, playtime, feedings, tantrums, and just regular family time. It's the ultimate balancing act.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- DO IT!! I have so many friends and know so many people that talk about starting a business. Years later, they're still just talking about it. Your life won't change unless you change it, so do it!!
- Learn how to prioritize your time. Winging it doesn't work when you're a business owner. Buy a planner, read books or watch YouTube videos on organization so you can prioritize your tasks day to day.
- Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. I can be quite the introvert, so I never would've done in-person markets if it wasn't for my partner insisting on doing them. Now, it has become 50% of my monthly income.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tazzlyfe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tazzlyfe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tazzlyfe/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.